PTC Benefactors and Community Leaders Honored

June 10, 2011

Benefactors and community leaders joined together at Piedmont Technical College recently to celebrate the successes of the past year with the annual benefactors’ event.

Fran Wiley, Piedmont Technical College Foundation executive director, welcomed those in attendance. The event was to honor Cornerstone Society members and benefactors who had contributed to the growth and success of the college.

“Tonight is all about those who support the college and about the many people who generously give,” she said as members of the Cornerstone Society were recognized.

Dr. Ray Brooks, president of PTC, thanked the donors on behalf of the students.

“Without what you do, we would not be able to touch lives,” he said.
Special recognitions were made for two long-time supporters of the college. Aaron Industries, Inc. in Clinton and Capsugel in Greenwood were honored with special awards.

“It’s not often you get to recognize someone who has done tremendous things for you,” Wiley said.
Aaron Industries, Inc. and Piedmont Technical College enjoy a solid corporate relationship. Aaron’s president and CEO, Jim Medford, joined the Piedmont Technical College Foundation Board in September 2006. In October 2009, he was elected chairman. With the assistance of contributions from Aaron Industries, Piedmont Tech was able to furnish the science lab in the newly built Laurens County Higher Education Center. Additionally, each year, the Piedmont Technical College scholarship committee selects two Clinton High School seniors who have chosen to attend Piedmont Tech as Aaron Industries scholars. Aaron also generously supports the annual PTC “Dollars for Scholars” Golf Classic and other special projects of the Piedmont Technical College Foundation.

“If you look around, you can see the impact Piedmont Tech is having on the community,” said Medford. “The graduates have a sense of pride and a sense of self worth.”

Capsugel and Piedmont Technical College have been corporate neighbors for many years. With the assistance of contributions from Capsugel, Piedmont Tech furnished the lobby of the new administrative building, refurbished the James C. Self Conference Center and assisted with costs associated with our nursing and health science programs. Capsugel also established three endowed scholarship funds through the Piedmont Technical College Foundation.

“Piedmont Tech is an integral part of our business,” said Phil Vickery, director of manufacturing operations at Capsugel. “We have the ability to make our work force better so we can compete.”

Photo Caption: In recognition of their support of Piedmont Technical College, members of the Cornerstone Society were recognized at the recent event. Two area businesses were also honored for their contributions to the college. Pictured are, from left, Jim Medford, president and CEO of Aaron Industries, Inc.; Denise Medford; Dr. Ray Brooks, president of Piedmont Tech; Martha Barnette, newest Cornerstone Society member; Phil Vickery, director of manufacturing operations at Capsugel; and Fran Wiley, Piedmont Technical College Foundation executive director.